In "No One Asked to Dance," Deerhoof proves again that mystery is more seductive than truth.
Richard Saunier/Courtesy of the artist
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Richard Saunier/Courtesy of the artist

In "No One Asked to Dance," Deerhoof proves again that mystery is more seductive than truth.

Richard Saunier/Courtesy of the artist

Wednesday's Pick

Song: "No One Asked to Dance"

Artist: Deerhoof

CD: Deerhoof vs. Evil

Genre: Pop

Rather than crafting an easily identifiable sound, the California band Deerhoof has devoted its career to staying indescribable and adventurous. The group's 10th album may be titled Deerhoof vs. Evil, but the titular war against wickedness isn't the only conflict here; the record also marks Deerhoof's latest highly successful volley in its long-running battle to stay surprising.

One of the band's most hauntingly beautiful songs to date, "No One Asked to Dance" features a fluttering Spanish guitar and Satomi Matsuzaki's fragile voice. The melancholy chords set a sobering foundation for the dazzling keys that hang in the air as the track builds quietly. If one thing about "No One Asked to Dance" was to be expected, it's the song's cryptic words: Deerhoof guards the meaning behind its songs with vague morsels of verbiage, but this marks one of those cases where mystery is more seductive than truth.